By Fatou Krubally
Maritime leaders from more than 20 member states of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) gathered in Banjul Wednesday for the second day of the 19th Ordinary General Assembly, marking the organization’s 50th anniversary.
The assembly, which continues through Thursday, serves as a platform for discussions on regional maritime safety, financing, and industrial development.
A key moment of the day was the ceremonial handover from outgoing Chairperson, Her Excellency Ingrid Olga Ebouka-Babakas of the Republic of Congo, to the incoming leadership, reflecting MOWCA’s commitment to continuity and good governance.
In her address, Ebouka-Babakas highlighted achievements during her tenure, including the establishment of the Regional Maritime Development Bank and the operationalization of the Regional Maritime Fund, aimed at supporting maritime and port projects across West and Central Africa.
Secretary-General Dr. Paul Adalikou commended member states for their engagement and emphasized efforts to restore MOWCA’s visibility and operational capacity. “If Africa’s rivers, seas, and oceans are effectively harnessed, they can become a powerful engine of economic growth,” he said, underscoring the organization’s mission to promote maritime governance, safety, and industrialization.
Delegates discussed regional challenges such as piracy, inland waterways safety, decarbonization, and digitalization of maritime operations. There was broad agreement on the need for investment in port modernization, training for seafarers, and environmentally sustainable shipping practices.
Plans for a regional maritime bank were also highlighted as a key measure to secure long-term financing for fleets, dry docks, and port infrastructure.
Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to supporting MOWCA’s objectives and called on member states to prioritize cooperation, transparency, and innovation to advance a safer and more competitive maritime sector.
As the assembly concludes Thursday, delegates are expected to finalize resolutions that will shape the region’s maritime safety, financing, and industrial development agenda.
The event reaffirmed MOWCA’s pivotal role in uniting member states around a shared vision of sustainable maritime growth in West and Central Africa.